An analysis of 87 undergraduate questionnaires found that students' perceived increased levels of expertise in 25 skills after taking a self-paced word processing and worksheet/spreadsheet applications course. Examined the relationship between age, gender, race, and grades, and found a positive correlation between grades and perceptions in…

Discusses the role of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in undergraduate education via a survey of related literature and specific applications. Describes an undergraduate computer concepts course and includes appendices of instructions, flowcharts, programs, sample student work in accounting, COBOL instructional model, decision logic in a…

Introductory courses in computer science at colleges and universities have undergone significant changes in 20 years. This article provides an overview of the history of introductory computer science (FORTRAN, ANSI flowchart symbols, BASIC, data processing concepts, and PASCAL) and its future (robotics and C++). (PEN)

Experienced teachers enrolled in an educational technology certificate course at the Universiti Sains Malaysia took charge of classroom instruction while the teacher managed the instructional process. Postcourse evaluations indicated that the 64 teacher/students preferred learner-centered and collaborative teaching and that it helped them learn…

Situation awareness is defined as an evaluative product based on expert performance criteria. This article examines the importance of training simulation systems in developing situation awareness, focusing on high fidelity procedural training, expert knowledge and experience, and attitude and emotional state. Discusses other related issues. (68…

Describes a compulsory first-year management course for 250 students designed as an independent learning class, and discusses the results of student surveys conducted in class and one year later. Concludes that while results show an increase in effective learning strategies for independent learning students, a minority did not respond positively.…

Examines computer based simulations of practical laboratory experiments in engineering. Discusses the aims and achievements of lab work (cognitive, process, psychomotor, and affective); types of simulations (model building and behavioral); and the strengths and weaknesses of simulations. Describes the development of a centrifugal pump simulation,…

In a study involving three diverse computer assisted learning (CAL) experiences and different learner populations (13- and 14- year olds, 19-21- year olds, and adult education majors), a general shift in learning style (Kolb) was observed. The magnitude of the shift appeared to vary with learner ability and exposure to CAL. (PEN)

A group of 20 students studied chemistry with the same lecturer in three different physical environments: (1) computers on lab benches; (2) computers around the walls; and (3) computers in cluster groups of four. Students preferred the cluster groups, suggesting that physical features of learning environments should be considered in learning with…

This study compared the effects of intrinsic relevance with embedded, extrinsic relevance-enhancing strategies based on the ARCS (attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction) model of instruction on perceived motivation and the learning outcomes of identification, terminology, comprehension, and drawing. Both intrinsic and extrinsic…

This study identified factors that best predicted the amount and perceived benefits of network use based on TENET (Texas Education Network) use. A 70-item electronic mail survey measured five categories of variables, and findings suggest that network facilitators should try to increase interactions among potential and current network users.…

Describes a study that determined whether combining cooperative learning strategies with instruction delivered using an integrated learning system (ILS) produced academic and attitudinal gains in fifth-grade students. Results revealed that students using an ILS in cooperative groups for mathematics instruction performed better and were more…

Considers well-structured problems versus ill-structured problems and presents models for how learners solve them, as well as models for designing instruction to support problem-solving skill development. Information processing theories of learning, an emerging theory of ill-structured problem solving, constructivist learning, and situated…

Describes a study of fifth-grade students in Taiwan that explored the differential effects of intergroup competition on intragroup cooperation and interpersonal relationships within groups in a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) environment. Statistically significant differences were found between the two treatment conditions (with and without…

This study analyzed motivational effects of type of instructional control on learning from computer-based instruction, according to Keller's ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) model of motivational design. Sixth graders in Korea were randomly assigned to either learner or program control groups, and results showed that the group…